Current Members

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RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

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Michael lundin
mlundin@ku.edu
LinkedIn

Dr. Lundin joined Professor Mark Shiflett’s research group as a Research Associate in January 2021. He received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 2003 during which time he worked at the Center for Applied Energy Research designing and building the control system and data acquisition system for an iron catalyst-based Fisher-Tropsch pilot plant. In 2009 he earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from University of Notre Dame. For his doctorate, he modeled bubble coalescence in the multi-phase flows present in direct methanol fuel cells. He then joined the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysts at the University of Kansas, where he led projects ranging from a collaboration with Archer Daniels Midland Co. to investigate the use of liquid CO2 as a medium for the ozonolysis of fatty acid methyl esters to an effort with W.R. Grace & Co. investigating the modification of microporous catalysts for enhancing the yields and directing selectivity in the synthesis of pyridines using a fluidized bed reactor. Dr. Lundin is currently working on an industry funded project to design an ionic liquid-based gas absorption system.

Berlyn Mellein
berlyn.mellein@ku.edu
LinkedIn

Berlyn Mellein joined Professor Mark Shiflett’s research group as a Research Associate in January 2020. Dr. Mellein received her B.S. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2003 and her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from University of Notre Dame in 2008.  For her doctorate, she studied the anti-solvent ability and solvatochromatic effects of CO₂ in ionic liquid/organic mixtures. She then joined DuPont, where she contributed to programs ranging from increasing production capacity by studying fundamental properties of polymer fibers to studying oxalate chemistry for TiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ production. Dr. Mellein is currently working in collaboration with ExxonMobil to better understand thermophysical properties and vapor liquid equilibria of hydrocarbons in aqueous salt solutions.

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Postdoctoral Researchers

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Hossein Abedsoltan
hossein.abedsoltan@ku.edu                                                LinkedIn

Hossein Abedsoltan joined Professor Mark Shiflett’s research group as a Postdoctoral Researcher in October 2022. Dr. Abedsoltan received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in 2013, and his Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio in 2017. During his Master studies, Dr. Abedsoltan was working on introducing a practical technique for an in-depth study of the wetting process on fibrous materials, specifically paper towels. After that, Dr. Abedsoltan pursued his Ph.D. studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of Toledo, graduated in 2022. His Ph.D. projects had focus on developing catalysts with increased surface affinity for chemical recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), the main constituent of water bottles. His Ph.D. studies introduced catalysts that were more active than the conventional acid or base catalysts reported for chemical recycling of PET. Currently, Dr. Abedsoltan is working in collaboration with the Chemours Company to study on vapor liquid equilibrium systems including refrigerants, ionic liquids, and polymers.

Ayo Olasupo
ayoolasupo@ku.edu                                                  

Ayo joined Professor Mark Shiflett’s research group as a Postdoctoral Researcher in May 2023. Dr Olasupo received his Bachelor of Technology in Pure and Applied Chemistry from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in 2012, his BSc Honours in Chemistry in 2016, and his Master of Science in Environmental Geochemistry 2018 both from The University of the Witwatersrand. He received his PhD in Environmental Chemistry in 2022 from Universiti Sains Malaysia. His research interests are in Risk Assessments of Environmental Contaminants, Polymer and Material Science for Membrane Separation, Optical Chemical Sensing, and Electrogenerative Recovery of Metals.

During his PhD, he fabricated synthetic and biodegradable Polymer Inclusion Membranes for the remediation and chemical sensing of pharmaceutically active compounds in water/wastewater. Residues of pharmaceutically active compounds have been reportedly found in potable water due to the inability of conventional wastewater treatment plants to remediate them completely during treatment. Several advanced water treatment technologies have been explored for the remediation of these recalcitrant contaminants; however, they remained refractory in aquatic environments. In his study, environmentally friendly, biodegradable material like chitosan was used to fabricate different polymer membranes that are capable of real-time chemical sensing and complete removal of different contaminants in aquatic environments.

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Staff

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Graduate Students

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Julia E. Espinoza Mejia
julia.espinoza@ku.edu
LINKEDIN

Julia Espinoza is an international, first-gen, and nontraditional graduate student from Peru. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the National University of Engineering, Lima, Peru, in 2010, she joined the National Petroleum Company of Peru (PETROPERU), where she has worked for eight years. At work, she performed different positions such as process engineer, design engineer, and lastly, as leader of the process engineering unit in 2018. In 2019, she earned the Fulbright-CAREC scholarship, which allowed her to train in English and graduated with M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering at KU (2022). In her investigation, she studied the phase behavior of Oil-CO2 systems under various pressure and temperature conditions to predict asphaltene precipitation using HPHT PVT and SDS techniques. From this research, she has published 02 scientific papers. She also graduated with a Master in Process Engineering from the National University of Engineering, Lima, Peru (2013). She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at KU under the advice of Dr. Scurto and Dr. Shiflett as part of the NSF-funded project, Project EARTH (Environmentally Applied Research Toward Hydrofluorocarbons). Her research focuses on the separation of azeotropic hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) mixtures from refrigerants using ionic liquids as solvents. Julia’s work occurs mainly in the lab where a state-of-the-art pilot-scale extractive distillation tower is commissioning and starting up for the first time. She has also been a partial Teaching Assistant (TA) for some C&PE courses, including Thermodynamics I and II and Reservoir Engineering I, serves as a Graduate Engineering Ambassador, and adviser for the Peruvian Student Association at KU. Outside the lab, her interests include learning languages, learning about cultures, swimming, and practicing zumba. 

Arishi Abdulrhman
aarishi1@ku.edu

Arishi received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, then he received a master of science in chemical engineering from Drexel University, USA. Currently, Arishi is pursuing a Ph.D. in chemical engineering at KU under the supervision of Professor Shiflett. Arishi is currently working on refrigerants separation using ionic liquids.

Cj ponge
cjponge@ku.edu

CJ earned his Bachelor’s degree (2016) and Master’s degree (2021) in Chemical Engineering (minor in Engineering Entrepreneurship) from Villanova University. He ran the Thermodynamics Laboratory at the Chemours Company (2017-2021) measuring VLE and thermophysical properties of Fluorocarbon mixtures.  He is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Kansas as a member of the Shiflett research group.  His research is focused on the adsorption of PFAS using Zeolites.

 

Karim Al-barghouti 
karim_5@ku.edu

Karim obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida in May of 2020. In the summer of 2019, Karim worked under the mentorship of Professor Aaron Scurto as an REU student at KU. His work focused on analyzing thermal properties of refrigerants and ionic liquid mixtures. In August of 2020, Karim rejoined KU to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering under the direction of Professor Aaron Scurto. His current work focuses on transport properties of refrigerants and ionic liquid systems.

Abby Harders
abbyNharders@ku.edu
LinkedIn

Abby graduated summa cum laude from Bethel College in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Mathematics. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Kansas in the Shiflett Research Group. Abby is a member of Project EARTH, a project focused on identifying sustainable processes for the selective separation of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant mixtures. Her research is centered on using membranes for the separation of HFC mixtures that contribute to global warming.

Andrew Yancey
andrew_yancey@ku.edu
LINKEDIN

Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Baylor University in 2019. He is currently working toward earning a M.S in Chemical Engineering and later plans to pursue a PhD while at KU. His initial research focuses on the development of zeolites and other porous media for the selective separation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a career in industry.

 

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Senior Scientists

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David R. Corbin, Ph.D.
David.R.Corbin@ku.edu

Dr. Corbin is an adjunct senior research scientist with 32 years of industrial research experience. He has issued 62 US patents and has published more than 130 publications, in addition to co-editing two books on porous materials. His research interests include applications of inorganic materials to industrial problems, zeolites, separations, and metal oxides.

Kenneth Leffew, Ph.D.
kenneth.leffew@villanova.edu

Dr. Leffew is an adjunct professor at Villanova University.  He retired from DuPont in 2016, where he held the highest technical position in the company, DuPont Fellow.  In his 41-year career there, he was involved in the discovery, development and commercialization of numerous polymer processes and products, including Neoprene, PET for bottle resin, PMMA, Ethylene copolymers, polymers for optical disks, color copier toner, OLED devices, flexible solar cells and methanol fuel cells.  He received DuPont’s Engineering Excellence Award four times and is inventor on 29 US Patents and has over 60 publications and presentations.  His interests include polymerization reactor design, polymer process synthesis and processing, advanced process control and product design.

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Undergraduate Student RESEARCHERS

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Evanna Dominic
EvannaDominic@ku.edu

Evanna Dominic is from Overland Park, KS. She is in the class of 2026 majoring in chemical engineering with a focus on biomedical engineering. She is a part of the KU SELF program, Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and the University Honors Program. Her hobbies include Bollywood dancing and participating in events at St. Lawrence Catholic Center.

Ariel Griffiths
ariel.griffiths@ku.edu

Ariel is in the class of 2025 studying Chemical Engineering with a pre-medicine and Bioengineering emphasis. They are working with graduate student CJ Ponge on the adsorption of PFAS using Zeolites in Dr. Shiflett’s lab. They are a community service chair for Theta Tau, and enjoy spending their free time designing clothes, skateboarding, and watching The X-files.

Hannah Uhl
hannah.uhl@ku.edu

Hannah Uhl is a junior (class of 2024) from Sheldon, Iowa studying chemical engineering with a material science emphasis. Hannah is the Public Relations Chair for the Society of Women Engineers, a KU Engineering Ambassador, and a part of the Chi Omega Sorority. In her free time, she likes to hang out with friends, spend time outdoors, and visit her family.

Annmaria Paul
PaulAnnmaria@ku.edu

Annmaria was born in India and raised in Topeka, KS. She is in the class of 2025 at KU majoring in chemical engineering with a biomedical emphasis. She is a member of Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) and the South Asian Student Association (SASA). Outside of KU, she is a part of the Pranavam Dance School in Topeka where she practices Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance. In her free time, Annmaria likes to work out, listen to music, and spend time with friends.

Brock hines
Brockehines@ku.edu

Brock is in the class of 2025 at the University of Kansas studying Chemical Engineering with a focus on biomedical engineering. In Dr. Shiflett’s lab, they work on Project Earth. They are also on the debate team, student senate, and Dole Institute of Politics Student Advisory Board. In their free time, they enjoy playing video games, running, and reading.

Rebecca Suku
Rebeccasuku@ku.edu

Rebecca is in the class of 2025 studying chemical engineering with an environmental emphasis. Rebecca is the Fundraising Chair for the South Asian Student Association and involved in SASE, the University Honors Program, and the Vann Scholars program. In her free time, she enjoys taking photographs, Bollywood dancing, and spending time outdoors.

Sarah Dixon  
sarahdixon@ku.edu

Sarah is from St. Louis, Missouri and is in the class of 2025 at KU. She is majoring in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in Environmental Engineering. Sarah is a member of the University Honors Program and Society of Women Engineers. In her free time, she enjoys playing the guitar, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.

 

NOAH valverde                                                          noah.r.valverde@ku.edu

Noah Valverde is in the class of 2025 at the University of Kansas pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering with an environmental emphasis. He is currently working with graduate student Andrew Yancey on searching for a zeolite capable of separating azeotropic HFC refrigerant mixtures in Dr. Shiflett’s lab. Noah is involved in Engineering Student Council and Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity on campus.

clarice sabolay                                                                  cmlay18@ku.edu

Claire is in the class of 2024 studying chemical engineering with a biomedical emphasis. In Dr. Shiflett’s lab, she is working with graduate student CJ Ponge on the adsorption of PFAS using zeolites. Outside of research, Claire is involved in Engineers without Borders and Society of Women Engineers.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, and watching movies.

Abigail Haas                                                                   ahaas190@ku.edu

Abi is in the class of 2023 studying chemical engineering with an environmental emphasis. In Dr. Shiflett’s lab, she works with graduate student Karim Al-Barghouti on analyzing thermal properties of refrigerants and ionic liquid mixtures. Abi is an active member of Alpha Sigma Kappa- Women in technical studies. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, chess, and traveling.

Maxim Cordry                                                                  max.cordry@ku.edu

Max is in the class of 2024 studying chemical engineering with a materials emphasis.  He has an interest in pursuing ways to extract perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water using zeolites in Dr. Shiflett’s lab.  Outside of research, Max is Treasurer of the KU Chess Club.  He enjoys playing video games, adding to his collections, watching movies, and listening to music.

Abbey Blue                           
ajb4397@ku.edu

Abbey is in the class of 2025 at KU studying chemical engineering. In Dr. Shiflett’s lab, she will be a part of Project EARTH with graduate student Andrew Yancey studying the separation of hydrofluorocarbons using zeolites. Abbey is a member of the University Honors Program and Society of Women Engineers (SWE). In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and playing volleyball.

Tessie May                                                                    maytessie@ku.edu

Tessie is an honors student in the class of 2024 studying chemical engineering. In Dr. Shiflett’s lab, she will be working as a part of Project EARTH. Tessie also serves as the Director of Administration for Delta Delta Delta as well as the Registration Chair for the University of Kansas Engineering Expo under Engineering Student Council. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, exploring Lawrence, and being outdoors.

Luke wallisch
lukewallisch13@ku.edu

Luke is a junior from St. Paul, MN studying mechanical engineering. He is working with graduate student Abby Harders on Project EARTH, developing membranes for the separation of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant mixtures. Luke is a member of the KU branch of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In his free time, he marches as part of the Marching Jayhawks and enjoys scientific YouTube videos and documentaries.

Dorothy haggard
dhaggard@ku.edu

Dorothy Haggard is in the class of 2024 at the University of Kansas with a major in chemical engineering with a pre-med emphasis and a minor in Spanish. She is working with graduate student Kalin Baca on the use of ionic liquids in separating hydrofluorocarbons as a part of project EARTH. Dorothy is a KU global scholar, Social Chair for Society of Women Engineers, plans to graduate with honors qualifications, and serves as a KU engineering student senator during the 2021-2022 school year.

Tiana bish
tianamb@ku.edu

Tiana Bish is in the class of 2024 studying chemical engineering with a biomedical engineering minor at the University of Kansas. She works with graduate student Andrew Yancey on developing zeolites for the separation of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant mixtures in Dr. Shiflett’s lab. Tiana is involved in the Society for Biomaterials and is a part of the University Honors Program. 

Pierson Adamson
piersen.adamson20@ku.edu

Piersen Adamson is from Omaha, NE majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in business in the class of 2024. He is working with Dr. Ana Morais and Dr. Shiflett on Project Shell, which is developing technology for conversion of biomass into new materials and chemicals. He is a member of the Society for Biomaterials and also the alumni relations chair of my fraternity. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and working out at the gym.

Elizabeth funk
elizabethfunk02@ku.edu

Elizabeth is in the class of 2024 studying chemical engineering with a biomedical emphasis. In Dr. Shiflett’s lab, she will be researching cold chain independent vaccines using inorganic vehicles. Outside of research, Elizabeth is involved in the KUEST One Scholars Program, Vann Scholars Program, and the University Honors Program. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, sewing, and taking care of her plants.